6-Days of Intrepid Heaven

That's wright I said heaven.
I have been organizing these trips for 6 years now and this was the 3rd aboard the Intrepid.
Let me tell you this is in my opinion the best ship in the fleet and the most professional crew I have ever had the pleasure of fishing with. And YES we will be aboard the Intrepid again next year (Sept 21 - Sept 28).

The trip was almost canceled due to short booking but the owner (Ken) said he didn't want to incovience those who have already booked the trip of a lifetime so he let us go with only 16 anglers and told our Captian (Jesus) to be sure to go where the fish are.

After we boarded and got situated the Capt. called us into the galley for a briefing about the trip. the best chance was either Alajos or the Ridge which meant a 2 day ride either way. the decision was made to head to the Ridge as the rest of the Fleet was already heading to Alajos and having mixed results.

Hopes were high as we filled the tanks with fresh bait and headed out from the S.D. Harbor. As we lost sight of S.D. in the distance Javier did his magic in the Galley and we were treated to some first class grub. after which most anglers spent the rest of that day getting familiar with the knots and rigs needed for the next few days.

Day-2
As we woke in the morn we were treated to a Kings breakfast and than got ready for a quick stop at Cedros Island for a few Calicos for Dinner. It didn't take long to get what we needed so it was back on the trail for the rest of the day. Did I say what a great Chef Javier is

Day-3
Another great meal at first light than we start the troll as we are now within 10 miles of the Ridge. As we approach the shallow area known simply as the Ridge all the troll rods go off together, It's pandemonium and we have Wahoo (Ono) flying everywhere. First fish on the deck was brought in by Miss Lisa Henry (Dave and Lisa Henry of Flexx Wrap) what a catch for her first long range trip (50lb Wahoo). As we begin to toss bait we see free swimmers all over the place and it's nonstop wahoo action till dinner. After another delight from Javier's Galley most were looking to get some rest but I had to see what a dropper loop would produce in the dark. As My bait made it's way to the bottom I felt that familiar tap tap and set the hook. without warning my 80lb yes I said 80lb line was ripping from the reel at a rapid pace. After a short struggle a 30lb Yellow tail comes to gaff. I bait up again and get an encore performance and it continues till we finally call it quits around midnight.

Day-4
Wake up to another Kings meal from Javier and than head out onto the deck and decide to throw the Iron. On the 3rd cast the Iron stops dead and heads for the Western Pacific. After a long battle another good Wahoo comes to gaff and the day fallows the course from the day before. Around mid day we are looking at other spots when we see a mass red spot in the water. Upon close investigation we discover it is a large school of Pargo feeding on squid they have pushed to the surface. Another wide open bite with a few Tuna in the mix. That evening I donated one of my many Wahoo to the galley and Javier made us Wahoo Enchiladas that were off the hook.

Day-5
We left the fishing grounds after dinner last night and spent the first half of the day traveling up to Cedros Island where we made a few drifts for Halibut and Calicos, Not much luck so we decided it would be fun to Dive in and boy did that feel good. the rest of the day was spent traveling, eating and telling stories

Day-6
Today was spent cleaning gear, watching dolphins and of course eating. Javier out did himself for the last dinner, we started out with a Lobster Bisk followed by a healthy prime rib and potato and a German chocklate cake to finish us off. Did I forget to mention what great chef Javier is???

Day-7
We arrived at the harbor at 2:00am and had to anchor in the harbor till the landing opened at 5:30. After unloading gear and fish the counts were very impressive and than came the weighing for the Jackpot. The final chore was to wait for the processors to package the fish and than drive home.

Pictures to follow

Day-1

Day-2

Day-3

More Day-3

Day-4

More Day-4

Day-5

Day-6

Day-7

Extra Porn

And a little more

Great non-yak post!
I'm getting HUNGRY looking at all that fish and food!
You really know how to party(boat)!

Wow, Eric what a fishing trip heaven!  I was contemplating so much about going after you announce that you still had room but just could not make it.  Man, if you go next year I want to go and get me some of those WAHOOS!  That boat looks nice and having a chef that can cook as you say must be just awesome every chow time.  Thanks for sharing.

Rey

Awesome trip Eric. Thanks for sharing those cool pictures with us. See you soon.

Jedmo